Synthetic Pot Sends 160 to ER in New York State: Gov't

Several states in the US have recently reported a spurt in emergency hospitals visits following usage of synthetic marijuana by affected teens.

Also known as K2 or Spice, synthetic marijuana is marketed as the real deal with sprayed or coated chemicals, called canabinoids, to mimic effects of marijuana. Available in colorful package, it is a hit among teenagers given its easy availability and perception that it is harmless. Health experts have warned that adverse reactions can range from confusion to respiratory distress and death following a single hit. According to CNN, New York State alone has reported 160 cases of such reactions in the last nine days.

Other states too have reported a surge. While Alabama health authorities recorded 98 cases last month, Mississippi had 97 cases in April alone.

Experts warned of long-term effects on the brain besides immediate reactions from overdose. They also warned that chemical composition of synthetic pot changes frequently and users cannot know what they are smoking.

Parents of more than half a dozen teens, who died in the recent past following overdose of synthetic cannabis, have shared stories of how their children succumbed to dissuade other teens from using it. The rash of incidents reported in the US however seems to suggest that more needs to be done to prevent its synthetic marijuana use.